7 Stowaways Arrested Under Suspicion Of Tanker Hijack In English Channel

The British police said 7 men had been arrested under the suspicion of exercising and seizing control of a ship by exerting threats or force, after an incident on Sunday where special forces stormed an oil tanker in the English Channel, Isle of Wight, that was suspected to be threatened by infiltrators, in other words- hijacked.

The police said “The seven men have been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force under Sec 9(1) and (3) of Aviation and Maritime and Security Act 1990. They all remain in custody at police stations across Hampshire.”

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The British Ministry of Defense wrote on Twitter that “in response to a request from the police, the Ministers of Defense and the Interior authorized members of the Armed Forces to board a ship in the English Channel, in order to ensure the safety of lives and the safety of the ship that was subjected to a suspected piracy operation.”

They added, “The armed forces took control of the ship and seven people were arrested.” In a statement, Hampshire Police said that the 22 crew members were “fine and in good health”, and that the investigation is underway to ascertain the full conditions of the accident.
” I would like to pay tribute to the police and armed forces who did such an exemplary job… this is what they train for and this is what they’re there for, to protect our country and they did that to such a high standard,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, after the incident undertook.

The Greek-managed, 228-meter (750 foot) tanker that was carrying 42,000 tonnes of crude oil ‘The Nave Andromeda’ departed from Lagos, Nigeria on October 6 and its expected arrival in Southampton, England, was at 10:30 am on Sunday, but since about 10 am the tanker had been circling an area southeast of Sandown on the Isle of Wight.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that even though he can’t comment on “operational details,” he was very grateful towards everyone doing a “fantastic job” and that I thank them very, very much for what they did to keep our shores safe.”

Source: Maritime Shipping News